We’ve all hit that wall — maxed out on decision-making, and the demands just keep coming. Whether you’re a manager trying to keep a dozen different personalities aligned, or a parent negotiating snacks, screen time and emotional meltdowns before 9 a.m., there are moments when your brain just taps out.
That’s where this prompt comes in. It doesn’t solve everything, but it makes you feel like the mental load is being lifted or at least as if someone else is stepping in to carry the next step for you.
Because at some point in the year, usually right about now, we've all reached our limit. That’s why sometimes I gently ask ChatGPT for help.
Don't get me wrong, I'm not asking a chatbot to take charge forever; and definitely not for everything. But in those moments when I can't decide what to ask, how to phrase it, or what I even need help with — I started using what I now call the “handle it” prompt. Here's how it works for just about everything in my day.
I hand it over with this line — and I let ChatGPT figure it out
Here’s exactly what I type when I'm just...done: “I’m going to give you some context. Based on that, handle it — take the lead and give me your best expert-level advice.”
Sometimes I'll upload screenshots of handwritten notes, my schedule, a group text or whatever else needs more attention than I can give. It really just depends on my day. Maybe it’s a rough plan I’m second-guessing or a to-do list that feels random.
The possibilities are endless when it comes to using this prompt. That's why, whatever it is, I hand it over with this line — and I let ChatGPT figure it out.
What makes this different from a regular prompt
What I like about this prompt is that I don't need ChatGPT to be a brainstorm partner. I don't need to ask it to help me think through something or list options. That's actually the most freeing aspect of this prompt; I don't know what needs to be done or even what I need — I let ChatGPT guide me.
Are my critical thinking skills fried? No. In most cases I'm simply overthinking, which is exactly why ChatGPT offers the unique perspective I need. A simple, “Here’s what I’d do if I were you.”
Sometimes it tells me to take a deep breath, other times it shares a completely new way of thinking about something that sparks a new creative thought in my own head.
When I use the “handle it” prompt, ChatGPT typically:
- Identifies the real question hiding underneath the mess I gave it
- Surfaces what matters most, not just what I said first
- Offers a clear next step or path forward
- Occasionally pushes back and reframes the problem (and it’s usually right)
It’s like having an outside editor for your brain. One who’s not emotionally attached to the junk you’ve been spinning out about for three days.
Real moments when I use this:
- When I’m torn between two equally bad options
- When I’ve researched something so much that I now know less
- When I’ve outlined a piece but can’t figure out the structure
- When I have five tabs open, each with half a solution
- When I know what the problem feels like, but not what it’s called
- Sometimes, I don’t even ask a question. I just explain the situation and end with: “Handle it.” It's the ultimate I-have-an-assistant move.
Why 'handle it' works
There’s something surprisingly powerful about just handing things over. When we try too hard to be clear, we sometimes obscure what we’re really stuck on. This prompt does the opposite it makes a small shift that actually lowers the cognitive load, reduces perfectionism and encourages synthesis instead of idea sprawl. But most importantly, I notice that it helps me see any given situation more clearly, too.
Of course, it's a chatbot and I know it won't always work. Sometimes the response is too vague. Sometimes it misunderstands the tone or suggests something obvious. But 7 times out of 10? It gives me exactly what I need: a confident step forward when I don’t feel like I can take one myself.
That’s enough to keep it in regular rotation.
The takeaway
Some days, you’re not trying to build a custom GPT agent or fine-tune a system prompt. You just need a little clarity. That’s what the “handle it” prompt gives you. It’s a permission slip to delegate the thinking, if only for a moment.
So if you’ve hit your decision-making limit and your brain feels like an open-loop browser window… copy and paste the "handle it" prompt. Then breathe. And let it do the thing.
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